Lion of Grace

Q3. (Galatians 2:1-3) Paul is arguing that the Jerusalem leaders support his position on circumcision, rather than that of the Judaizers. What is the significance of Paul’s mention that Titus was not required to be circumcised? The significance of Paul mentioning that he had the support of the Jerusalem leaders as opposed to the Judaizers was that it proved that Paul was teaching the pure Gospel while the Judiazers were not. Titus ( a Gentile) was saved by grace and there were no additions to that. The tradition of the Jews ( circumcision) had no merit in the state of Titus' salvation.

Q2. (Galatians 1:13-16) What factors in Paul's background made him an ideal apostle to the Gentiles? How did God use his being different from others? To ponder: How has your unique background fitted you for ministry? What uniqueness has God given you? What will it take to see that uniqueness as a God-given strength rather than as an embarrassment? Paul's background included being a strict follower of Judaism, and persecuting the church of God. He was well versed in law and believed, before his conversion that people had to live the law. After his conversion, he knew that the truth was a Gospel of grace that came through Jesus and was for everyone. He himself, would have empathy for the Gentiles, KNOWING by revelation from Jesus, that they were saved by grace alone and that they were included into the family of God minus the Jewish traditions or birth rights. He himself abandoned believing in Judaism, law and tradition and could relate to the Gentiles who would come to belief through the foundation of grace through Christ. God used Paul being different from others to become a witness to the truth to those God called to be His. His experiences gave Him a pure truth to share. Paul's "mess" was cleansed by the "Mess"iah and became his "Mess"age to others! God uses our messes to be a message to others! God has done this in my life too! I was a person who totally walked away from God and became immersed in a very sinful lifestyle. I met Jesus and my whole life changed! I was literally drawn out of a pit of deep darkness and despair. My uniqueness now, is that I can reach others who many pass by as "hopeless." I KNOW that there are none too far gone and that there is hope for everyone. No matter how sinful or bleak the lifestyle may be. I know they need Jesus, to know the truth, to be healed in His name and that it takes time. I constantly have people come into my life that have similar lifestyles to the one I was saved from. My witness to them is unique and is my call. As for this being a God given strength instead of an embarrassment, I can say I was embarrassed to give testimony at first. So many times I was looked upon by Christians as "marred" or a "failure" in life not worthy to be recognized by the church. After a time of trying to "fit in" with those who would never accept me, I began to turn my attention to those GOD sent me. My life is filled with His strength to reach those He cries out for! I am bold in sharing my life story, my struggles and most of all about my wonderful Savior because HE'S who they need. He never gave up on me and my heart doesn't want to give up on anyone else either. There are still all kinds of "opinions" about where I've come from....but I am truly a new creation in Christ....and my eyes are on HIM! : )

Q1. (Galatians 1:11-12) What is the source of Paul’s gospel? How do we know that it is a true revelation? How does it conform to our other foundational sources of Christian teaching? What is the danger of taking the teaching of contemporary leaders as our doctrinal basis without checking it with the Scripture? Paul's source of the Gospel was Christ Himself. Paul states, "I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." We know this was true revelation because his source was based on Christ and no one else. Christ was the center of his Gospel with no additions or subtractions! How does this conform to our foundational sources of Christian teaching? If we are not teaching a pure Gospel of Jesus Christ, then we have tainted the Gospel. It's not salvation through Christ PLUS anything we do.....it's just salvation through Christ based on HIS sacrifice and saving grace. We just accept and receive! There is great danger in just accepting any teaching without comparing the teaching to scripture. The Word of God is truth. If the teaching doesn't line up with the Word of God, then it's not true! There are many out there who teach salvation plus a lot of "stuff". Even if anyone questions them as to the validity of the teaching asking for scripture references they react with anger and will try to discredit the real truth and anyone representing it! I had the great pleasure of hearing a sermon recently that relied 100% on the Word of God and it took any argument against the teaching and compared it directly TO the Word of God. It was a complete teaching, in context and I walked away 100% convinced because it WAS the Word of God! What joy! WOW! Thanks for this study! My eyes are so opened to what true teaching should really look like and then I got to enjoy seeing it happen!

Q2. Paul called the Judaizers’ message as a “different gospel,” a perversion of the true gospel. How is this dangerous to the Galatian believers? How do twisted gospels (or an unbalanced interpretation of the gospel) affect Christians in our day? Perversion of the true Gospel was dangerous to the Galatian believers because it was salvation through Jesus.... PLUS.....a mere Jewish tradition. The false teachers were saying salvation couldn't be attained without circumcision! The Good News is a Gospel of grace. We don't receive salvation through works or tradition. It is a gift given. Free and clear. We just have to accept. I think Christians today do receive messages in churches today that include teachings on human achievement and pride. Christ must always be at the center of the Gospel. We don't receive grace after we are doing everything right, looking religious or following the law. When we were but sinners He saved us. Yes, on this journey we will see our sins and we WILL become free of them, but it's grace that saves. Amazing Grace! Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved! "Behavior" gospels only lead to guilt and self condemnation or pride in human achievements that are temporary at best. 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus! Without Christ at the center and as our firm foundation all else condemns! The GOOD NEWS of the Gospel of Jesus Christ = heart changes from the love we have received!

Q1. (Galatians 1:4) According to verse 4, for what purpose did Jesus give himself? How does Jesus rescue people today? How does he keep people from falling back into their old ways? According to verse 4, "....who gave Himself for our sins, to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father..." He exchanged His life for our sins. We no longer are of the world, but are new creations in Christ. Through HIS sacrifice. Jesus rescues people today in the same way. There is only one way to be rescued. Through the blood of the Lamb. When we accept salvation through Him, we receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent this helper to live within us when He went back to His (Our) Father in Heaven. The Holy Spirit is our helper and counselor in this life and He will convict us, encourage us and direct our steps in multiple ways. Through the Bible, daily devotionals or studies. Through music, sermons, circumstances in our lives where that still small voice gives direction. We though, must allow Him to help us. Sometimes we don't want to.....but in our obedience we find that He always directs us in ways that are good and 100% right, so we learn to listen more and better and to do as He directs and to trust Him. I agree that our relationship of love is a major factor in our not falling back. When you fall in love with Jesus and experience the Holy Spirit's leading....it's like having your "perfect" best friend and love by you all day long to help you and you just want to love Him back through your actions. I'm just so grateful for His direction and love!

Q4. (2 Corinthians 13:12) What is the equivalent of a “holy kiss” in your congregation and culture? Why is a warm familial greeting so important in a healthy congregation? Why do people sometimes resist being greeted warmly? An equivalent of a holy kiss in our congregation and culture would be a handshake or a hug. Sometimes a kiss on the cheek or on the forehead. These are so important because they show genuine affection, security with others, trust and are outward expressions of love. Some people resist this because of guilt (they think any kind of physical touch with another is sinful and unchaste, because of their own thoughts and desires or unrepentant sin or guilt from false teachings.) Some do not feel secure with others or do not have trust levels in relationships. Some have been hurt by others and see a hug as hypocritical. I was once in a situation where I was judged for (genuinely and innocently) hugging others. My "intentions" were questioned. I asked another church member why others looked at me like that. She said it wasn't so much me, but that I couldn't be hugged by "holy" people because of the way I looked. I was merely judged "un-huggable" because I was an "attractive" woman. I was labeled because of that. That hurt, considering God made me as I am. I will still hug some that I trust today, but that experience left me hurting and hesitant even today.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 12:20) How do you “cure” a church of these kinds of behaviors and sins? How can a “love offensive” begin to change the spirit of a dysfunctional congregation? What is the role of church discipline in a dysfunctional congregation? A dysfunctional church can be cured by knowing the truth. All bad behaviors and sins come from not following God. The church needs to know the truth and the church needs to be in genuine relationship with God. Unless the Holy Spirit changes ones heart, even the best member will only have knowledge and religion. Relationship is key here. That is why love is so closely related. When we know the love of God, we are given hearts of flesh and love becomes our motivator. We love God and WANT to live in truth. We love others and produce fruit of the Spirit, we desire the truth of the Word, because we love the Word and we are changed from within. Love can change dysfunction, because it is accepting. No, we don't accept sin and we speak the truth in love, but we don't turn others away. Even the type of church discipline that has to remove a member for a time, is not abandoning that member unless they absolutely refuse help and actively stay in the sin they are confronted about. Then they need to be turned over to the Holy Spirit who can deal with them effectively. We though, for the most part, still seek to restore to Godly living and truth. We ache that a brother or a sister is separated from us. Love bears all things. We need to pray, seek out, be patient with those not living the truth, but be firm in teaching the truth, reminding of the truth and not being afraid to lovingly say sin is sin. When WE live the truth in love....the true way is seen. Church discipline HAS to be. Other wise the message is sent to everyone, that "anything goes." I'm really surprised at how many people in churches, think that "legalism" is labeled "Living in structure, order and truth with accountability." They think freedom is everyone doing their own thing....and that "love" is non confronting or "peace" is tolerating everyone and everything. Chaos is the result with fighting and ultimately undermining authority. Selfishness reigns. No one will live truth. Leadership must set a standard in truth but with love.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 12:10) What was the life-changing lesson that Paul learned from God when God denied his prayer? How does our self-sufficiency limit God’s power through our lives? Can we become dependent upon God without having to experience some “thorn in the flesh” ourselves? He learned he could be glad because of his weakness, even boast of them because God's power could fully rest on him. He knew when he was weak, then he was really strong. I also think he rejoiced that GOD'S glory was more revealed to others instead of any glory for himself. Our self sufficiency limits God's power in our lives because if we are not dependent on looking to God for next steps or wisdom in a situation or strength to see something through, then we are only living by our own small minded standards and our very limited wisdom and in our own strength that quickly fades. Everything is "man" based and without good foundation. Being dependent on God, sets self aside and walks in faith. We don't have to have it all figured out, or planned or controlled and we are dependent on one who really DOES have the answers and who never fails! I don't know if we ever can become totally dependent on God without struggle. Our flesh gets in the way and our lack of all knowing wisdom shows through so much. We have such a journey here, always learning, always seeking, always needing guidance. I don't think there is a black and white answer to this question. The Holy Spirit is faithful to do that in us....to perfect us in dependence, but that's an "If we allow him to" and we have to be submitted to that. I can only speak from my experiences and try as I might.....I always seem to end up trying to do things on my own at some point. Sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes out of pride, sometimes I don't even realize it until I'm tired out and realize why! The hard times get my attention, they alert me to look at what I'm doing, to evaluate and to turn to the only one who can REALLY help me! Someday, we are promised to be perfect though! I have my sight set on that day! Oh glorious day! I just haven't arrived yet..........

Q1. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Why was this “thorn in the flesh” given to Paul? What purpose did God want to achieve through this in Paul’s character? How can something be both used by God and be caused by Satan’s destructive work? How does this verse relate to Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20? The thorn in the flesh was given to Paul, to keep him humble. He had been very blessed by God to see the visions he reported, but the glory of that wasn't in himself, it was the glory of God being revealed. It wasn't by anything Paul could have done. When things go good and God is blessing us, we tend to get prideful in it and think somehow it's what we have deserved or accomplished. It is good to stay focused and humbled, knowing who's doing the blessing and for who's glory. Paul's character grew in perseverance, long suffering and in strengthening his faith. He came to know that even though there may be opposition by enemies, or failing health or anything that was making his ministry difficult, that his strength was insufficient to move through and past it. He had to become dependent on God. He had to see his own weakness, so he could turn to God who's power and grace would be enough in any situation. When I'm faced with similar challenges, I remember Jesus telling Pilate that he had no power given to him except what was given to him from above. Jesus was faced with the worst and yet, knew His father had allowed it. He submitted to His Father will in it, knowing the purpose was ultimately for good. Pilate thought the power was in his hands. Jesus knew it was in His Father's hands. Satan always tries to destroy and God always restores. There is no evil that God cannot create some good out of. I'm often amazed how much God uses things intended for evil, but brings good out of them! We always grow in faith and closeness to God, we are strengthened, we are drawn closer together and are better with each other, truth is revealed, God's glory will always be in it somehow. Romans 8:28 promises us, that all things will be worked out for the good of all those who love Him. That's a restful promise! When things seem out of control and we are feeling helpless in it, then we can look to this verse and know to be still, trust, remember His faithfulness and know somehow, He's doing a work in it! Plus....we can learn to take our eyes off the situation and ourselves, put our eyes back on God, knowing in His infinite wisdom....He can do more than WE could ever ask for or imagine! It's way more exciting to look outward to watch for what He's doing and knowing it will be 100% right for everyone who loves Him, than sit in misery, feeling sorry for ourselves! The question to ask is, can we be submitted to be willing to have a part in HIS will, even if it means suffering for awhile for everyone's spiritual growth or at least an opportunity to experience that, or maybe even losing our own pride in the situation? In Genesis, Joseph went on quite a journey! Sold into slavery and by his brothers! Put in prison. Falsely accused. In it all he learned character and dependence on God. By the time he was blessed and raised into his position, he was humble and ready to be a part of what God wanted to do. Ultimately, Joseph could provide for a family of brothers who intended him harm. He had a vital (humble) part in what God was doing in providing for His people. None of that took part without Godly character, strength in faith and trustworthiness. All kinds of fruit was shown in Joseph in the end! Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. He was forgiving, compassionate and submitted to God. Even the brothers were changed and ultimately showed better character. God was doing a good work in all of it....for everyone. He does that for us too. God is more interested in our character than our comfort. He will use every evil or intended harm....for our own personal character and good if we allow Him to.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) How do Paul’s sufferings help authenticate his claim to be an apostle? What do these sufferings tell us about Paul’s commitment? How does this account inspire you – or convict you? How will you be different from having pondered it? Paul's sufferings help authenticate his claim to be an apostle, because he is living his faithfulness to God. He is showing he doesn't just talk the talk, but that he BELIEVES and he walks the walk. Nothing has ever turned him aside from preaching the Gospel. This tells us Paul's commitment was 100% to the Lord. Christ is his Lord. He went through many tough times and suffered much FOR the Lord and the Gospel. He was steadfast and long suffering. With any commitment, you vow to stay the coarse no matter what and if you have integrity in what you say, or you truly believe that what you live for is absolute truth to follow.....then you can't help but make a commitment to follow that with all your heart. So many today in many different areas big or small, in or out of the church, say a lot, but they really lack commitment. They just change up for the moment when things get hard or something easier or better comes along. Sadly, that includes living for Christ and remaining strong in faith. Paul's accounts both inspire me and convict me. They inspire me to keep going, don't quit, remain strong, trust in God, BELIEVE God. They convict me because what I go through is small compared to Paul's sufferings and and I'm brought out of feeling sorry for myself and back into my purpose. They also grow me as I realize the faintness of heart I can have in areas of suffering or trial. I learn more and more to keep my eyes on Jesus and to grow in trust and ultimately I see HIS faithfulness to me and I grow in my relationship with HIM becoming stronger in my faith and why I believe and why I'm even here and WHO it's for! I'm different already! This study came by the Holy Spirit at the exact right time to convict and encourage me through a very difficult time. I did want to quit.....but I'm still holding on to Him in faith. He'll see me through. Praise Him!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? How did this help his ministry? How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? How will Christ honor them? I think the answer to why Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him is found in 11:12. There were false teachers who were trained to sound good, who were considering themselves equal to the "genuine" apostleship of Paul. They were in it for power, recognition and money. In fact, they were targeting a rich community. The real intentions were not on sharing the Gospel of Christ for love of Christ and the person's hearing it, it was for greed and pomp. In it, they were fooling people who judged on a worldly basis. If it looked good, came with "education" and was pleasant to the ears, then some were were fooled into thinking it had to be truth. Paul contests this and was showing and explaining, his motives were pure for the Gospel, as a servant of God and out of pure love for the people. He cared about their SPIRITUAL character. A true shepherd cares for his sheep because he loves them. A hired worker is in it for money and doesn't really care about the sheep. I'm not saying clergy shouldn't be paid, because we are to give an honest wage for anyone's work, but we need to discern when anyone is in it for money rather than a call on their life because there is a BIG difference. I think by standing in his principles with honesty and integrity and showing genuine concern for the people because he loved them, were the character traits that helped Paul's ministry. Even today "true" hearers of the word will eventually recognize the false lifestyle of the Gospel peddler in it for money and prestige. When you know the truth, you start to discern the genuine from the false. We can give to clergy and lay persons who truly do give sacrificially by supporting their ministries. We can give prayerful support and monetary support or we can help with their families and lighten work loads, seeing what needs to be done and generously giving of our time to do it inside and outside of the church. We can give of our spiritual gifts to the church, being unselfish ministers ourselves. We can be peacemakers and relieve the burdens of a clergy member that is having to constantly keep the flock "happy" so other ministries can flourish. We can be truthful and honest with integrity of our own, speaking the truth in love out of genuine love for Jesus and the church for the good of all. We can....show appreciation, give thanks, be a servant, apologize when wrong and forgive our clergy's short coming too. They aren't perfect. Christ will absolutely honor them on the last day "Well done good and faithful servant" but he also has a way of speaking out for his true servants in everyday living that honors them. He also provides for every need and gives comfort in the hard times. He never lets a true servant go alone. It may not look like earthly prosperity, but the treasures are there!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 11:1-5) What does it feel like when a congregation loses its pure devotion to Jesus Christ, and instead takes on other motivations for its religious observance? In what ways is this like the church at Ephesus losing its “first love” (Revelation 2:4)? How can this purity of devotion be restored? What does a church look like when it loses it's pure devotion to Christ? Fighting, pettiness, vindictive, envy, self righteousness, disunity, gossip, slander, legalism, apathy, no passion to see anything through, drop out rates, worldly standards, NO LOVE. Those are all there, because the truth of being disciples of Christ is either, not known or rejected and "church" is just about a social club or where "self" is exalted. Coldness creeps in and "people" start to reign. It becomes about "agendas" and different groups of people fighting for control to promote their own thoughts which are usually self serving. The whole purpose of the Christian life is lost and the purpose of the church has nothing to do with God. There is usually so much fighting and self absorption that there aren't even any true ministries because satan has everyone concentrating on the fighting and the destroying that goes on. Deception rules and satan laughs. Ephesus too had become cold and the church at Ephesus had become more about false teachings, or about legalism in doctrines, theology and less about servanthood or esteeming others above self and it was more about "self" serving than about loving Jesus. Purity of devotion comes from returning to Jesus, knowing Him and following Him. It's about keeping our eyes on Him, studying the Word, changing our own hearts, becoming true disciples and even though it hurts, asking God to reveal our true motives to us and it's remaining in Him daily to walk in a better way to overcome our "self". It's depending every minute on the Holy Spirit for the way we should walk and the way we should live and in renewing our minds with the Word that is wisdom and truth.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom? Paul is talking of dealing with his opponents in a spiritual way. He wanted to wage a battle for the people's minds. Some people were living by the standards of the world and he wanted their minds to be taken captive to demolish their strongholds. If the strongholds/walls come down, then faith could enter in and human reasoning would be defeated. Human reasoning can not be trusted. There are all kinds of philosophies and world views out there or self gratifying ways to handle issues that are promoted, and they all need to be measured up to the truth of the word. These false teachings/leadings are from Satan. He doesn't want people to know the truth or to live the truth and he deceives many.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 9:12-15) Why should our giving prompt thanksgiving? How is our giving a demonstration of God’s grace? Why is God’s gift of Jesus termed “surpassing”? Why is God’s gift of Jesus termed “indescribable”? Our giving should prompt thanksgiving because it reflects God's provision for another. We shouldn't be giving grudgingly or for our own praise, we should be giving generously, cheerfully and to be used as a servant of God to demonstrate HIS care for another. Our giving demonstrates His grace in that He cares for everyone. His grace sought us and bought us. It wasn't that we are deserving of anything. He just gave to us freely out of love and longing. Our giving should demonstrate this also. God's gift is " surpassing" in that nothing compares to it. The gift of Jesus and the sacrificial offering He made, is not measurable in any other thing or act of giving. Jesus was the ultimate gift from God and nothing can compare. Why is it termed "indescribable" ? I think anyone who has deeply taken in what was done on the cross for us understands "indescribable." Where can a person even begin to really understand that kind of love, forgiveness and giving? Our human minds grasp some of it, but to really sit and tell of ALL Jesus did, well, I can be at a loss for words. I can tell of salvation and my experiences with God, but to fully grasp and explain how God gave His Only Begotten Son, to die for us and the obedience and love of Christ to fulfill all that.... just so we could live......is really beyond human comprehension!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11) According to these verses, what is the purpose of God increasing your “store of seed”? How do greed and generosity differ from each other? What is God’s promise here to generous givers? The purpose of God increasing our store of seed is to plant more seed! He gives the increase, so we can continue to give. Greed and generosity differ in that greed is for self. It is accumulating, hoarding, having more than you need and spending on self. It also shows distrust in God because a person thinks they are taking care of self and they have to hoard huge amounts to always take care of self. There is no trust that God will provide for needs or that modest living and savings for self is sufficient because he will be faithful to supply for them. Generosity is an open hand. It receives blessings but remains open to give blessings also. Greed opens to receive, but closes and clutches tightly holding on but never freely giving. Greed satisfies self and generosity gives away with joy. God's promise to the generous giver is to always generously supply for our needs and for the new seed to sows for others. You can't out give God!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Why do you think pastors or other church leaders use guilt to try to compel people to give more? Can greed be behind their pressure? Why is pressure incompatible with worship? What does cheerfulness while giving say about the condition of a person’s heart? I think Pastors use guilt to try to compel people to give money for a variety of reasons. First, there may be a real need for the money and they are dealing with people who do not tithe, nor do the people understand the spiritual principle of tithing. Not to give to get something, but to give out of what God has graciously given you. It's all His money and we are only stewards of it anyway. It's out of desperation Pastors give over to "guilting" people into giving. Second, I have seen greed and pride the motivating factor. The more the money, the greater the ministry can "look". But, just because there is money, does not mean there is true Spirit led ministry. Last, I see the pressure put on a Pastor from higher ups in the church to run a "successful" church for the District/or other church government fractions a motivating reason. It's sad to see "business tactics" in practice in our churches, but it is there. I believe we need governing authorities, but not those who lack integrity or true Spiritual leading of a church and lean on Pastors for productivity, numbers and financially successful profits. Why is this incompatible with worship? Because worship is freely given, to God for the sole purpose of the joy of honoring God. To pressure in any of these areas is to strong arm either Pastors or congregants for worldly purposes. The heart of the matter isn't right. When one gives cheerfully and out of genuine love, by the Spirit, then the motivation and reasons for giving are good and in God's will.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 9:6) Does the Scripture teach that material blessing results from giving generously to God’s work? Why are we so careful to reinterpret this as referring mainly to spiritual blessing? If you compared your own actual giving to God’s work to a tithe (10%) of your income, would it look generous? No, I don't think the Bible promises if I give generously, that I will receive material blessings. Will God always provide for me? Absolutely! And I can testify to that! But I would hope to never give, expecting that God owed me anything. I've given completely of all the grocery money in my pocket when moved by the Spirit. I have financed ministries beyond my abilities to my last penny and at the expense of wondering how my own bill would be paid in another day or two. And I have given 20% in tithing. I give of my gifts and abilities and have been faithful to give testimony to Jesus, mentoring others. I have taken prisoners into my home, looked after the sick, given to the poor, and supported other ministries both monetarily and with prayer. I have always been provided for, but never once have I become rich off of it. I would treasure a Spiritual blessing any day over a monetary one. I trust God to provide for me and my family and in all these years, He has been faithful and good to me. I'm reminded of verses from Proverbs to share. Proverbs 30:7-9: " Two things I ask of you Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." That's good enough for me and if He should ever decide to bless me with monetary riches, well, I know to pray where He would have me spend it and I would be hopeful to do that. Praise God!

Q4. (2 Corinthians 8:21-22) What is the balance between living our lives wholly before God without being men-pleasers, and doing what is right in the sight of men. I don't know as I see a "balance" in these. We must live wholly for God, by the truth of His Word and our actions must be pure in this. We won't be men pleasers if we do that, in fact, many won't like us at all. But if we DO live by the truth, then we ARE doing what is right in the sight of men. Not that all will "agree" with what they see.....many people are compromising and trading in all kinds of spiritual truths for worldly pleasures, success and money..... even church leaders. People really can find any loop hole or justify any action in their lives. Hopefully, the integrity of another, by living truth, can change and inspire others to live with more integrity also.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 8:9) What riches did Christ have according to this verse? How did he become poor? In what way were we poor? In what way have we become rich? Christ had spiritual riches. He is the Son of God and came from Heaven's throne, the Holy One, perfect and pure, none like Him. He was in perfect communion with His Father and did His will perfectly. He was without sin. He became poor, by becoming human, born in mean circumstances to a poor family, he had nothing special about His appearances that would make us notice him. He had no home to call His own and no where to lay His head. He was hated, despised and scorned by religious authorities, yet was a friend to sinners and those in need. He became a servant to all. He became poor, like us, to save us and share the Spiritual treasures He had. Unless He became like one of us and died for us, we could never share in Heaven's riches. In what way were we poor? Lacking in Spiritual knowledge, we were sinners with no direction and no one to lead us home. In what way have we become rich? We have received our Salvation. We have become children of God. Heaven is our home and we now have the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us through our journey here on Earth. Christ is our shepherd and we are never without care or truth in our lives. We have been delivered from sin.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 8:4, 7-9, 19) What does grace have to do with giving? What does giving look like when it isn’t accompanied by grace? What does it look like when grace prompts your giving? I'm brought to mind of "freely you have been given, so freely give." Grace gives of everything and whether anyone deserves it or not, it is given freely and generously and joyously. When giving is not accompanied by grace then it is given legally. It's the "right" thing to do, but usually comes along with giving grudgingly or with complaining or even with the attitude of being "owed" something back. Sometimes too, it is even denied or diminished because "they don't deserve it." When grace gives, we know we have received what we don't deserve ourselves and the love we receive from that is contagious to give to others. It's exciting and a delight to give and it's from the overflow of love we ourselves received! It's joyous and .....well.....it's L-O-V-E! Love is the motivator and love is the giver and love is the gift!

Q1. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Why is it so difficult to give when we are stressed by circumstances and bills and pressures? What can we learn from the example of the Macedonians and the poor widow? How will this lesson affect your own giving? It is difficult to give when we are stressed by circumstances and bills and pressures because we start to walk by sight and set our faith aside. We think we have to take care of ourselves and that we can't trust God to make a way for us. We can learn from the Macedonians and the poor widow because they gave ALL they had and even beyond what they had to give! They didn't give "surplus" or what they could afford. It was by faith they gave. They knew they could give cheerfully of everything. That God could and would provide for their own means. He IS faithful in this!

Q4. (2 Corinthians 7:5) What are the distinctions between fear, faith, and courage? Why is being honest about our fears better than pretending we don’t have any fears? How did Paul deal with his fears? Fear is good to have. We become "on guard" and can react positively to that. But, if we have fear without faith, then fear becomes anxiety and can rule us negatively. With faith, we can know that no matter the situation, God is in control. We are quieted and then proceed with caution, holding on to God in the situation. The key is we move forward. We can't see what's ahead, but we know we can go there. We don't remain frozen in fear. Courage IS the moving forward. Everyone needs to take the steps to go forward in the face of fear, depending on your faith. Being honest about our fears helps us to acknowledge them and then examine them from a faith point of view. We can then draw on truths to see them for what they really are. This gives the courage to go forward. Yes, Paul had fears and dealt with them in Faith.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1) What kind of separation is Paul calling the Corinthians to? How can they strike a balance between separating themselves from sinful practices that mess up their spiritual lives while at the same time maintaining friendships with pagan neighbors and co-workers? The separation Paul is talking about is being separate from participating in the sins of unbelievers. We are called to be in the world but not of it. We are called to reach the lost. We have to be in relationship, but if the influence of their lives start to impact our lives, causing us to sin, then we need to separate ourselves from those circumstances. We are to be the influence for good and holy lives. Not the other way around. The sins involved that are being practiced should cause us grief in our hearts for the people, because we hate sin and know it destroys. Our mindset should be in mentoring and pulling others away from the sin, not entering in. The balance in maintaining these friendships is in preparation, prayer, seeking God's wisdom to walk with Him every minute, spiritual warfare and knowing our own weaknesses. If we are built up in prayer and the Word when we start our day, we will see the Holy Spirit preparing and guiding us into the day. One day, I was getting scripture on sins I had overcome. I questioned God on it, certain I was being careful in my life to maintain freedom and I was wondering on why I was receiving so many scriptures on it. I soon had my answer when someone I was mentoring contacted me and was having a set back and started trying to entice me to think on the "good old days" too. I was absolutely prepared to meet that and saw it for exactly what it was. I could give a good sound answer back (NO!) and turn the tables on Satan, not only to protect myself, but I was prepared to give all the reasons I never would go back. Indeed, I could say with deep conviction that I didn't even WANT to go back and turned the situation around for that person too. I had to recognize the spiritual battle that it was, walk in the wisdom given to me, the preparation I had been given in it and I was on guard against any weakness I had in it from my past. I drew on the truth I knew and continued to walk forward with the person God had sent to me to mentor.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) What are the reasons Paul gives us – both in his letter and by quoting Old Testament scriptures – that we should live holy lives? What kinds of temptations did the Corinthians face in their notorious city. Paul states: *God lives with us and walks with us. He is our God and we are His people. *We, as believers, are holy. *We are sons and daughters of God. *Our bodies are God's temple and His Spirit lives in us. Paul taught that we are set apart and holy. We should not be yoked with unbelievers. We are righteous and live in the light. We have no communion with wickedness or in wicked practices. He is reminding that God's children have nothing to do with unclean practices, other false religions or philosophies. The Corinthians faced false religious practices all around them. Worshiping idols, false Gods and immoral rituals of worship with temple prostitutes.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 6:3-13) Why do you think Paul shares so much about his various struggles with the Corinthians? How does this help them accept his apostleship as authentic? Have you ever complained about what you’ve had to put up with in your ministry? How does it compare to what Paul faced? Paul shares his struggles to defend his ministry. There were some trying to discredit him and he was speaking the truth of not only his ministry, but of the ministry of all true Christians. This will help those who are seeking the truth to understand and accept the true walk of a Christian. Even today, so many want to water down Christianity. So many are mislead by the notion that there won't be suffering or that adversity won't be a part of sharing the Gospel or even in living the Gospel or in showing how to live a righteous life. When we do that, there are many who will shut their hearts to us. They only want to hear the good things, have the easy way and not give up sin. Paul was experiencing and sharing how the world looked at him. In showing God's glory, he was dishonored by the world, he had good report among believers, yet bad report among the worldly, he taught the truth of the Gospel, yet was regarded as an imposter by unbelievers and sometimes by "religious" leaders. To him and to any true believer with truth, these were all proof of his genuine apostleship. Those seeking after a shallow belief, has closed their hearts to him. They rejected a genuine walk with Christ that includes changing their lives and sorrow, suffering and hardship. Yes, I have complained in my ministries. I like that Paul appeals here. I usually get frustrated and tired and withdraw. I have experienced people closing their hearts to the truth and chasing after the easy life or running to their group of "friends" who mislead them in wrong ways. I get discouraged when I'm left standing in a truth by myself and adversity seems to be winning the day. It's hard when a spiritual truth is not understood and rejected for the "candy" that is offered and you want someone to grow in maturity so much! But, I'm learning I, myself, can grow in these situations too. I learn perseverance, patience, self control and strengthen in my faith too. I'm changing too and I can trust God for a good work in all of it. As to comparing to Paul, I have not experienced all he experienced. I haven't been physically beaten or put in a prison, but I don't dare compare my walk with his. My walk is my walk. Who knows where God will lead me. I'm concentrating more on being trained for whatever that may be. I am grateful for Paul's words, they do encourage me in my walk. They remind me of the truth of following Christ. They admonish me in my attitude at times. So, I am grateful for them. God's word is alive and active still today!